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This krewe was started as a mumble under my breath to a friend.
I was frustrated over the growing responsibilities and commitment of being in a large krewe. I honestly had
no clue what to do to make it a reality to start a new one. After running it by several trusted friends, who
now join me as my Board of Directors, I decided to wrap my head around it and give it a shot!
Unlike many other
local krewes, we do not have a "purpose." We do not associate ourselves with a charity, therefore we do not
raise money, nor have we taken donations. There are no required "manadatory fun" fundraisers or favors we
will ask of you and who you know. We are strictly a social krewe. I wanted a place to just have good, "girl
fun." So... The Mystic Mafia was born.
My idea has grown in to such a sense of pride for me,
and for our members. For our inaugural krewe members, we were quite selective. We always have around 30 members,
and are not planning to add to that number through the coming years. Our goal is not to become a cliquish monster sized
krewe, like many other organizations. We have a sisterhood-like closeness only a small krewe can provide. We
do not wear name tags, as we all know each other's names, and we plan to keep it that way.
Founding
board members were: April D. Davidson, President, Karen Fleming, Serena Josephson and Terri Fuller. All four share
krewe experience and parading tenure as former members of another local krewe. 2009-2010 Board of Directors are
as follows; April Davidson - President/Founder & Treasurer, Karen Fleming - Membership Chair, Angela Preston - Social
Event Director, and Jackie Tucker - Float Manager/Ball Decorations.
We have a nomination windows in August
of every year for new prospective members. The current krewe members for the season will talk with each girl in
a social setting at a late summer krewe meet & greet. Board members will then decide who and how many new girls
we will be accepting, if all the current girls think she would be a great fit, and new inductees will be announced by
the end of July, before our Fall Meet & Greet for returning and new gangster girls.
Dues are paid annually
by every member and are due by July 30th every year. Dues include 5 OFFICIAL EVENTS; all fees required
for both parading events; the Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Association Parade the Saturday before Mardi Gras, and the Fiesta
of Five Flags celebration parade in June, as well as Gangster Night Out (ask anyone in the krewe how much fun this night is!) and
the krewe-only Christmas party at the Prez's house and the fall new member meet & greet. Mystic Mafia is also invited
to participate in the invitation only All-Krewe Ball during the Fiesta celebration every year.
We have definitely made an impression on our city. We have had an amazingcouple of years so far. The gangster
theme, in combination with our costumes, props, toys and attitude, is SO much fun! I anticipate it to only get better
as we develop. If you would like to be considered for membership, you may email me or talk to any of our current members.
It promises to be another amazing year!
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